Manchester United announced three transfers within 24 hours ahead of the winter window’s deadline at 7pm on Monday, 2 February and their business still continues
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United squad is being reshaped in the final days of this winter transfer window(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Manchester United have confirmed the departures of Joe Hugill, Rhys Bennett and Toby Collyer days before the winter transfer window’s deadline.
Bennett, 22, makes a permanent move to Fleetwood Town after spending last season on loan at the League Two club. The defender stayed at United last summer, then had his father, David, die in October.
He spoke to MUTV about the situation just before Christmas, calling it “the most difficult time ever” for his family. Bennett also opened up about mental health and suicide prevention during the interview.
The 2022 FA Youth Cup-winning captain now joins Ethan Ennis, who signed on loan last summer, at Hghbury. Bennett told Fleetwood TV: “I’ve always been close with Ethan. He’s a top player and a top lad, so I’m looking forward to playing alongside him again.”
On United, he said: “I spent 16 years there, and they helped me every step of the way. I’m really thankful to everyone for helping me grow, on and off the pitch.”
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Collyer and Hugill both played with Bennett for the club’s academy teams and are also moving away this month. The former is only leaving on loan, to Hull City in the Championship, whereas Kilmarnock have signed Hugill permanently.
After announcing the move to Scotland, he has posted on social media about his time at United. Hugill said: “Thank you to everyone (at Man United) for the past 6 years.
“The players, the staff, the fans and everyone connected to the club who have made me love every minute along the way. I will always be beyond grateful for my time here and the memories will live with me forever.”
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Collyer’s move to Hull, meanwhile, has been on the cards for a while. He said after signing: “It’s been a while coming. I know there was interest and a possibility in the summer, but now I’m really happy to have been able to make it happen in this window.
“The style of play the manager likes to bring to his players is really good for me – high energy, high output. I would say I’m an intelligent player and I always like to improve. Hard work is fundamental – otherwise, you won’t get to where you want to get to.
“The Championship is different to the Premier League – it’s hectic, but I like it. You face challenges every day in training and in matches, and it’s a great league to get better. My target was to get back out and play as many minutes as possible in a different environment and challenge myself.
“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere, seeing the fans and playing with my new teammates. I’ll always work hard for the badge and for the fans.”
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